Nadia Nakai, the South African rapper, has been incredibly open about her emotional struggle following the tragic death of her boyfriend, rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Since AKA’s murder in February 2023, Nadia has been grappling with overwhelming grief. In a recent episode of *Young, Famous & African* Season 3, she broke down in an emotional conversation with her fellow musician, Fantana, revealing how hard it has been to cope with the loss of her partner.
**A Difficult Journey with Grief**
In her heartfelt discussion, Nadia admitted that despite appearing to be fine on the outside, she was far from okay. She shared that even though she recognizes the need for therapy, she hasn’t yet been able to take that step. Nadia expressed, “It’s difficult, just maneuvering life, you know? Low-key I’m not fine, and I know I need to go to therapy. But I don’t see that happening any time soon… I just have too much to unpack.”
As the conversation continued, Nadia became emotional, especially when her close friend, Khanyi Mbau, joined them. She confessed that she had been telling people she was doing well, even though she was struggling deeply inside. Nadia’s vulnerability highlighted the mental toll of losing someone so close.
**On Suicide Watch After AKA’s Murder**
The grief was so intense that Nadia revealed she had been placed on suicide watch after AKA’s passing. Friends and family, including AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, took turns watching over her to ensure she was safe during such a vulnerable time. Nadia shared how Lynn had stayed with her for an entire month to provide emotional support. She admitted that she was in a dark place and could not be left alone.
“I couldn’t do it; I was on suicide watch, and then there was the day when I actually was by myself. I realized that I couldn’t sit in this house; I had to work,” Nadia explained. Despite the overwhelming sadness, she found some comfort in channeling her energy into her work, which helped her cope with the pain.https://twitter.com/Emily_Sphiwe/status/1880635080143786074?s=19
**Expert Advice on Grief and Healing**
Briefly News spoke with Paula Quinsee, a relationship expert and psychologist, to shed light on the complexities of grief. Quinsee explained that prolonged or complicated grief is when the sadness becomes all-consuming, affecting daily life. In such cases, individuals may experience intense feelings of guilt or avoidance of reminders related to the loss. Quinsee emphasized the importance of professional support, particularly when grief interferes with a person’s ability to function.
“Professional support is recommended in such cases to help the individual process their emotions and rebuild their life moving forward,” Quinsee advised.
**Nadia’s Bond with Kairo Forbes**
In more uplifting news, Nadia has continued to maintain a strong bond with AKA’s daughter, Kairo Forbes. Nadia and Kairo recently participated in a popular dance challenge, which gained significant attention on social media, with their video receiving over 200,000 views. This display of affection for Kairo highlights Nadia’s continued presence in her life, offering the young girl a sense of stability amidst the tragedy.
**Conclusion**
Nadia Nakai’s openness about her grief journey following AKA’s untimely death has resonated with many, showing that even public figures face overwhelming emotional struggles. Her candidness about her pain and the importance of seeking help serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the healing process after a traumatic loss.